Cosa Nostra: A Steamy Mafia Romance (Kids of The District Book 3) by Nicci Harris (digital ebook reader txt) 📗

"If you just got to know him, you'd see just how wonderful he really is."

He lets out a long exhale and stares at me contemplatively. "Fine. You can go then. I'll go with you. Get to know him."

My blonde brows rise. "You'll come? And, like, be nice?"

A gentle grin spreads across his lips. "When am I not, like, nice?"

I giggle at that. Like all the time, Max. "Menace. You're seriously coming to a family thing with me? With Konnor and Blesk?"

His grin transforms into a provocative curve. "I look fucking magnificent in a tuxedo."

Cassidy

As soon as we arrive at the Hyatt Hotel, it's apparent to me that this is the kind of event that will have its own spread in the District's social magazines and on their websites.

Carter opens the passenger door for us, and Max exits first, allowing me the sweet view of his backside. His black slacks are perfectly snug around him. Turning, he holds his hand out for me as I step out of the car. My six-inch gold, rhinestone encrusted heels press into the red carpet, and my sheer skirt flows around my ankles, making me giddy.

I was so excited when I found this dress the other day. It's a new red Alamour design with a square neckline and sheer bodice banding just above my newly showing bump. My underwear is covered both by a small sewn in bra and mini skirt lining. It's a fricking beautiful dress!

Standing beside Max, I take a moment to appreciate him in his black tuxedo. I didn’t really know the difference between a suit and a tuxedo until yesterday when Toni told me. It's in the satin details - satin lapels, lining down the slacks, and buttons. I lick my lips and then adjust Max's bow tie, envisioning him in only it. I can feel his eyes tunnelling into mine.

I blush without looking at him. When I finally gaze up, I find his stare devouring.

"How do you do that?" I ask, reaching up to stroke his freshly shaven jawline.

His smile is soft. "What?"

"Go from animalistic, rugged sex-god, who spent most of this morning with his face between my thighs, to this powerful looking gentleman?"

He leans in close, a salacious curve to his lips that sends flutters down between my thighs. "I'm going to find a place tonight to shove my cock into your mouth for calling me a gentleman. Then I'm going to wash that word down your throat with my cum." My lips part and I swallow hard. He leans back until I can see that sexual appetite in his narrowed eyes. "Is that better?"

I nod and bite my bottom lip. "Much."

Cameras start flashing around us and I smile shyly at them. Max doesn't though, saving all those glances of emotion for me. But he does offer them a nod of acknowledgment, which in comparison to his usual scowl, is quite the game changer. Placing his hand on the small of my back, his fingers spanning out, the press of them apparent and possessive, he leads us up the carpet, towards the front door.

When we get to the entrance, Max grins at me and that hint of menace makes me melt. We pause in front of the grand lobby. The chatter of the press surrounds us, the flash of their cameras evident, but we are in our own world. He lifts a finger to my chin, tilts my head up to meet his adoring eyes, and then plants a loving kiss on my lips for everyone to see and photograph. I almost moan but manage to quell it.

He's so good at playing the part; I suppose he's learned that over the years. The Butcher Boys are always being photographed. Max is usually less than impressed with the attention, but today he seems to be putting on a show for everyone. Showing me off. Showing us off. I absolutely adore the way that makes me feel - warmth in my stomach and chest, a softness to my stance and movements.

Walking up the staircase, we make our way inside the banquet hall. From across the room, I spot Konnor. He looks handsome in his tuxedo and grey bow tie. My jaw drops open at the sight of Blesk in her dusty-blue strapless column dress. She is a classic beauty, there is no doubt about that, and my brother can't keep his eyes off her.

I basically skip over to them, then pull them both in for a hug.

"Jesus! Cassidy, you look stunning," Blesk coos.

Konnor's brows draw in. "Should you be bouncing like that in your condition?"

"Thank you," I hear Max say gruffly from over my shoulder. His fingers find my elbow, his touch shocking me with its authoritarian disposition. "No. She shouldn't be bouncing like that."

Konnor frowns at Max. "Max," he says, and that is apparently his greeting. "You fucking knocked up my sister. I should kick the crap out of you."

A pleased sigh breaks from Max. "And I thought this event was going to be boring."

"Remember where you are, Konnor," Blesk says softly.

"Right, that's enough testosterone-based bullshit," I hear a female voice say from behind me. I turn to see Blesk's best friend Elise approaching in a black fishtail gown, and my whole face lights up. I've only ever met her once, but she made an impression - the good kind. She is about my size - petite - and she has blue eyes and brown hair and mismatched nail polish.

Elise eyeballs Max. "I don't even know you, but you have trouble written all over your face." I nearly choke on a laugh. "And you." She points at Konnor. "This is a very important evening for you, so behave yourself appropriately." Then she is all smiles and weirdness when her eyes land on me. "Congratulations on the baby, Cassidy." She cuddles me hard. "Are you happy?"

We break our embrace, and I